Matsusaka Pork Specialty Shop Matsubuta

Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture — known as the production region of Matsusaka beef. Livestock farmer Hirokazu Yamakoshi of Yamakoshi Livestock — who has long operated pig farming in this land — under the thought of "wanting to create pork worthy of the world, not losing to beef" — continued research on pig breeds, breeding methods, and environment creation for about 50 years.

After trial and error with various breed crosses and breeding methods — arrived at the "LWD three-way crossbred pig" — crossing a Duroc breed with a mother pig that crosses Landrace and Large Yorkshire breeds. Thus born — the Matsusaka-born brand pig "Matsusaka pork." Came to be evaluated as pork comparable to Matsusaka beef — with fine marbling, soft meat quality with little smell, and fat melting at body temperature.

Furthermore — Yamakoshi was also committed to the breeding period. While general pigs are shipped at about 180 days — Matsusaka pork is raised long-term over 200-230 days as "living maturation." By blending lactic acid bacteria and yeast in feed rich in plant-derived protein — and giving only underground water from the Suzuka and Odai mountain systems — pursued the flavor only healthily-raised pigs possess.

In 2022 — Matsusaka pork production was officially business-succeeded from Yamakoshi Livestock to YC Matsubuta PIG STORY Co., Ltd. As "Matsusaka Pork Specialty Shop Matsubuta" — evolved into a brand integrally transmitting Matsusaka pork's appeal: meat, offal, side dishes, processed products, and seasonings. Under the thought "toward an era when not only delicious but also safe, secure, and healthy foods are chosen" — also engaging in side dish making not relying on additives and development of the completely additive-free "Magic Salt Ponzu."

"We want Japan to know Matsusaka pork, not Matsusaka beef." From such a wish — also pioneering new channels: hometown tax return gifts, online shops, and wholesale to restaurants. With the dual identity of meat shop and producer's pride — Matsubuta continues today from Matsusaka land — expanding Matsusaka pork's possibilities to the world.

Matsusaka-born brand pork "LWD Yamakoshi Original Three-way Crossbred Pig"

Matsusaka pork is the "LWD three-way crossbred pig" — crossing a Duroc (D) breed with a mother pig that crosses Landrace (L) and Large Yorkshire (W) breeds. The "LWD Yamakoshi Original Three-way Crossbred Pig" developed by the previous generation Hirokazu Yamakoshi over about 50 years — characterized by fine marbling in the lean meat and high-quality fat that melts at body temperature.

"Living matured pork" through 200-230 day long-term raising

While general pigs are shipped at about 180 days after birth — Matsusaka pork is raised for 200-230 days, about 2 months longer than usual. By raising slowly over time — meat quality becomes fine, fat melting point becomes about 37 degrees and low — birthing balance between high-quality fat melting smoothly in the mouth and elastic lean meat.

Original feed design committed to natural feed and underground water

For feed — using original feed blending lactic acid bacteria and yeast that boost immunity — centered on milo and soybeans rich in plant-based protein. Not using processed feed like synthetic protein at all — thoroughly enforcing breeding methods not relying on medication except for vaccines in infancy. For water — giving only the mineral-rich underground water from the Suzuka and Odai mountain systems — supporting the pigs' inherent healthy growth.

Succeeding the business from Yamakoshi Livestock to a new Matsusaka-pork-specialty system

In 2022 — YC Matsubuta PIG STORY Co., Ltd. — operating Matsubuta — succeeded the production business from Yamakoshi Livestock — the developer of Matsusaka pork. With this — strengthening the system as a "specialty shop performing Matsusaka pork consistently from production to sales." While protecting the bloodline, breeding techniques, and philosophy inherited from the previous generation — continuing new challenges like side dishes, processed products, and online shop.

From meat and offal to side dishes — Matsusaka pork experience unique to "Matsubuta"

At the shop — enjoying Matsusaka pork in various forms: from meat for shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and yakiniku, to offal, processed products like ham and sausage, and handmade side dishes by the deli brand "MB DELICATESSEN AND DINER." Also developing original seasonings like "Magic Salt Ponzu" that brings out fat sweetness.

Restaurant/business wholesale and hometown tax & online shop development

At Matsubuta — in addition to over-the-counter sales and mail-order for general customers — also performing wholesale for restaurants, meat retailers, and processors. Also adopted as Matsusaka City hometown tax return gifts — possible to order Matsusaka pork from nationwide. At the online shop — a lineup of sets matched to use: cut-offs, shabu-shabu, yakiniku, and offal.